Compositions for oral delivery of active agents

ABSTRACT

Modified amino acid compounds useful for the delivery of active agents are provided. The amino acids, non-alpha-amino acids, have been modified by acylation on the amino group particularly with phenyl or cyclohexyl groups. These groups have a variety of substituents including but not limited to hydroxy, methyl, fluoro, chloro, and the like. The compounds of the invention can be combined with numerous active agents including but not limited to heparin, peptides, and parathyroid hormone, and can then be used for effective administration of the active agent. Administration can be, for example, oral or parenteral.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to compounds for delivering active agents, and particularly biologically or chemically active agents such as, for example, bioactive peptides and the like. These compounds are used as carriers to facilitate the delivery of a cargo to a target. The carriers are modified amino acids and are well suited to form non-covalent mixtures with biologically-active agents for oral administration to animals. Methods for the preparation and for the administration of such compositions are also disclosed.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Conventional means for delivering active agents are often severely limited by biological, chemical, and physical barriers. Typically, these barriers are imposed by the environment through which delivery occurs, the environment of the target for delivery, or the target itself.

Biologically or chemically active agents are particularly vulnerable to such barriers. For example in the delivery to animals of pharmacological and therapeutic agents, barriers are imposed by the body. Examples of physical barriers are the skin and various organ membranes that must be traversed before reaching a target. Chemical barriers include, but are not limited to, pH variations, lipid bilayers, and degrading enzymes.

These barriers are of particular significance in the design of oral delivery systems. Oral delivery of many biologically or chemically active agents would be the route of choice for administration to animals if not for biological, chemical, and physical barriers such as varying pH in the gastro-intestinal (GI) tract, powerful digestive enzymes, and active agent impermeable gastro-intestinal membranes. Among the numerous agents which are not typically amenable to oral administration are biologically or chemically active peptides, such as calcitonin and insulin; polysaccharides, and in particular mucopolysaccharides including, but not limited to, heparin; heparinoids; antibiotics; and other organic substances. These agents are rapidly rendered ineffective or are destroyed in the gastro-intestinal tract by acid hydrolysis, enzymes, or the like.

Earlier methods for orally administering vulnerable pharmacological agents have relied on the co-administration of adjuvants (e.g., resorcinols and non-ionic surfactants such as polyoxyethylene oleyl ether and n-hexadecylpolyethylene ether) to increase artificially the permeability of the intestinal walls, as well as the co-administration of enzymatic inhibitors (e.g., pancreatic trypsin inhibitors, diisopropylfluorophosphate (DFF) and TRASYLOL®) to inhibit enzymatic degradation.

Liposomes have also been described as drug delivery systems for insulin and heparin. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,239,754; Patel et al. (1976), FEBS Letters, Vol. 62, pg. 60; and Hashimoto et al. (1979), Endocrinology Japan, Vol. 26, pg. 337.

However, broad spectrum use of such drug delivery systems is precluded because: (1) the systems require toxic amounts of adjuvants or inhibitors; (2) suitable low molecular weight cargos, i.e. active agents, are not available; (3) the systems exhibit poor stability and inadequate shelf life; (4) the systems are difficult to manufacture; (5) the systems fail to protect the active agent (cargo); (6) the systems adversely alter the active agent; or (7) the systems fail to allow or promote absorption of the active agent.

More recently, microspheres of artificial polymers of mixed amino acids (proteinoids) have been used to deliver pharmaceuticals. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,925,673 describes drug-containing proteinoid microsphere carriers as well as methods for their preparation and use. These proteinoid microspheres are useful for the delivery of a number of active agents.

There is still a need in the art for simple, inexpensive delivery systems which are easily prepared and which can deliver a broad range of active agents.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Compositions which are useful in the delivery of active agents are provided. These compositions include at least one active agent, and preferably a biologically or chemically active agent, and at least one of the following compounds I-XXXV. ##STR1## or salts thereof.

Further contemplated by the present invention are dosage unit forms that include these compositions.

Also contemplated is a method for preparing these compositions which comprises mixing at least one active agent with at least one compound as described above, and optionally, a dosing vehicle.

In an alternative embodiment, these non-toxic compounds are orally administered to animals as part of a delivery system by blending or mixing the compounds with an active agent prior to administration.

Further provided is a method for the preparation of a compound having the formula ##STR2## wherein Y is ##STR3## or SO₂ ; R¹ is C₃ -C₂₄ alkyl, C₂ -C₂₀ alkenyl, C₂ -C₂₀ alkyne, cycloalkyl, or aromatic;

R² is hydrogen, C₁ -C₄ alkyl, or C₂ -C₄ alkenyl; and

R³ is C₁ -C₇ alkyl, C₃ -C₁₀ cycloalkyl, aryl, thienyl, pyrrolo, or pyridyl, where R³ is optionally substituted by one or more C₁ -C₅ alkyl group, C₂ -C₄ alkenyl group, F, Cl, OH, SO₂, COOH, or SO₃ H;

said method comprising

(a) reacting in water and the presence of a base, a compound having the formula ##STR4## with a compound having the formula

    R.sup.3 --Y--X,

wherein Y, R¹, R², and R³ are as above and X is a leaving group.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The specific compositions of the present invention include an active agent and a modified amino acid. These compositions may be used to deliver various active agents through various biological, chemical, and physical barriers and are particularly suited for delivering active agents which are subject to environmental degradation. The compositions of the subject invention are particularly useful for delivering or administering biologically or chemically active agents to any animals such as birds; mammals, such as primates and particularly humans; and insects.

Other advantages of the present invention include the use of easy to prepare, inexpensive raw materials. The compositions and the formulation methods of the present invention are cost effective, simple to perform, and amenable to industrial scale up for commercial production.

Active Agents

Active agents suitable for use in the present invention include biologically or chemically active agents, chemically active agents, including, but not limited to, fragrances, as well as other active agents such as, for example, cosmetics.

Biologically or chemically active agents include, but are not limited to, pesticides, pharmacological agents, and therapeutic agents. For example, biologically or chemically active agents suitable for use in the present invention include, but are not limited to, peptides, and particularly small peptides; hormones, and particularly hormones which by themselves do not or only pass slowly through the gastro-intestinal mucosa and/or are susceptible to chemical cleavage by acids and enzymes in the gastro-intestinal tract; polysaccharides, and particularly mixtures of muco-polysaccharides; carbohydrates; lipids; or any combination thereof. Further examples include, but are not limited to, human growth hormones; bovine growth hormones; growth releasing hormones; interferons; interleukin-1; insulin; heparin, and particularly low molecular weight heparin; calcitonin; erythropoietin; atrial naturetic factor; antigens; monoclonal antibodies; somatostatin; adrenocorticotropin, gonadotropin releasing hormone; oxytocin; vasopressin; cromolyn sodium (sodium or disodium chromoglycate); vancomycin; desferrioxamine (DFO); anti-microbials, including, but not limited to anti-fungal agents; or any combination thereof.

Modified Amino Acids

The terms modified amino acid, modified poly amino acid, and modified peptide are meant to include amino acids which have been modified, or poly amino acids and peptides in which at least one amino acid has been modified, by acylating or sulfonating at least one free amine group with an acylating or sulfonating agent which reacts with at least one of the free amine groups present.

Amino acids, poly amino acids, and peptides, in modified form, may be used to deliver active agents including, but not limited to, biologically or chemically active agents such as for example, pharmacological and therapeutic agents.

An amino acid is any carboxylic acid having at least one free amine group and includes naturally occurring and synthetic amino acids.

Poly amino acids are either peptides or two or more amino acids linked by a bond formed by other groups which can be linked, e.g. an ester, anhydride, or an anhydride linkage.

Peptides are two or more amino acids joined by a peptide bond. Peptides can vary in length from dipeptides with two amino acids to poly peptides with several hundred amino acids. See Chambers Biological Dictionary, editor Peter M. B. Walker, Cambridge, England: Chambers Cambridge, 1989, page 215. Special mention is made of di-peptides, tri-peptides, tetra-peptides, and penta-peptides.

Although compounds I-XXXV above have been found to act as carriers for the oral delivery of biologically or chemically active agents, special mention is made of compounds I-XXX above.

Modified amino acids are typically prepared by modifying the amino acid or an ester thereof. Many of these compounds are prepared by acylation or sulfonation with agents having the formula

    X--Y--R.sup.4

wherein: R⁴ is the appropriate radical to yield the modification indicated in the final product,

Y is ##STR5## or SO₂, and X is a leaving group. Typical leaving groups include, but are not limited to, halogens such as, for example, chlorine, bromine, and iodine. Additionally, the corresponding anhydrides are modifying agents.

Many of the compounds of the present invention can be readily prepared from amino acids by methods within the skill of those in the art based upon the present disclosure. For example, compounds I-VII are derived from aminobutyric acid. Compounds VIII-X and XXXI-XXIIV are derived from aminocaproic acid. Compounds XI-XXVI and XXXV are derived from aminocaprylic acid. For example, the modified amino acid compounds above may be prepared by reacting the single amino acid with the appropriate modifying agent which reacts with free amino moiety present in the amino acids to form amides. Protecting groups may be used to avoid unwanted side reactions as would be known to those skilled in the art.

The amino acid can be dissolved in aqueous alkaline solution of a metal hydroxide, e.g., sodium or potassium hydroxide, and heated at a temperature ranging between about 5° C. and about 70° C., preferably between about 10° C. and about 40° C., for a period ranging between about 1 hour and about 4 hours, preferably about 2.5 hours. The amount of alkali employed per equivalent of NH₂ groups in the amino acid generally ranges between about 1.25 and about 3 mmole, preferably between about 1.5 and about 2.25 mmole per equivalent of NH₂. The pH of the solution generally ranges between about 8 and about 13, preferably ranging between about 10 and about 12.

Thereafter, the appropriate amino modifying agent is added to the amino acid solution while stirring. The temperature of the mixture is maintained at a temperature generally ranging between about 5° C. and about 70° C., preferably between about 10° C. and about 40° C., for a period ranging between about 1 and about 4 hours. The amount of amino modifying agent employed in relation to the quantity of amino acid is based on the moles of total free NH₂ in the amino acid. In general, the amino modifying agent is employed in an amount ranging between about 0.5 and about 2.5 mole equivalents, preferably between about 0.75 and about 1.25 equivalents, per molar equivalent of total NH₂ group in the amino acid.

The reaction is quenched by adjusting the pH of the mixture with a suitable acid, e.g., concentrated hydrochloric acid, until the pH reaches between about 2 and about 3. The mixture separates on standing at room temperature to form a transparent upper layer and a white or off-white precipitate. The upper layer is discarded, and the modified amino acid is collected from the lower layer by filtration or decantation. The crude modified amino acid is then dissolved in water at a pH ranging between about 9 and about 13, preferably between about 11 and about 13. Insoluble materials are removed by filtration and the filtrate is dried in vacuo. The yield of modified amino acid generally ranges between about 30 and about 60%, and usually about 45%.

If desired, amino acid esters, such as, for example benzyl, methyl, or ethyl esters of amino acid compounds, may be used to prepare the modified amino acids of the invention. The amino acid ester, dissolved in a suitable organic solvent such as dimethylformamide, pyridine, or tetrahydrofuran is reacted with the appropriate amino modifying agent at a temperature ranging between about 5° C. and about 70° C., preferably about 25° C., for a period ranging between about 7 and about 24 hours. The amount of amino modifying agent used relative to the amino acid ester is the same as described above for amino acids. This reaction may be carried out with or without a base such as, for example, triethylamine or diisopropylethylamine.

Thereafter, the reaction solvent is removed under negative pressure and the ester functionality is removed by hydrolyzing the modified amino acid ester with a suitable alkaline solution, e.g. 1N sodium hydroxide, at a temperature ranging between about 50° C. and about 80° C., preferably about 70° C., for a period of time sufficient to hydrolyze off the ester group and form the modified amino acid having a free carboxyl group. The hydrolysis mixture is then cooled to room temperature and acidified, e.g. aqueous 25% hydrochloric acid solution, to a pH ranging between about 2 and about 2.5. The modified amino acid precipitates out of solution and is recovered by conventional means such as filtration or decantation. Benzyl esters may be removed by hydrogenation in an organic solvent using a transition metal catalyst.

The modified amino acid may be purified by recrystallization or by fractionation on solid column supports. Suitable recrystallization solvent systems include acetonitrile, methanol and tetrahydrofuran. Fractionation may be performed on a suitable solid column supports such as alumina, using methanol/n-propanol mixtures as the mobile phase; reverse phase column supports using trifluoroacetic acid/acetonitrile mixtures as the mobile phase; and ion exchange chromatography using water as the mobile phase. When anion exchange chromatography is performed, preferably a subsequent 0-500 mM sodium chloride gradient is employed.

In an alternate method modified amino acids having the formula ##STR6## wherein Y is ##STR7## or SO₂ ; R¹ is C₃ -C₂₄ alkyl, C₂ -C₂₀ alkenyl, C₂ -C₂₀ alkyne, cycloalkyl, or aromatic;

R² is hydrogen, C₁ -C₄ alkyl, or C₂ -C₄ alkenyl; and

R³ is C₁ -C₇ alkyl, C₃ -C₁₀ cycloalkyl, aryl, thienyl, pyrrolo, or pyridyl, where R³ is optionally substituted by one or more C₁ -C₅ alkyl group, C₂ -C₄ alkenyl group, F, Cl, OH, SO₂, COOH or, SO₃ H; may be prepared by

(a) reacting in water and the presence of a base a compound having the formula ##STR8## with a compound having the formula

    R.sup.3 --Y--X,

wherein Y, R¹, R², and R³ are as above and X is a leaving group.

Compound XXXVII can be prepared, for example by the method described in Olah et al., Synthesis, 537-538 (1979).

Delivery Systems

The compositions of the present invention may include one or more active agents.

In one embodiment, compounds I-XXXV or poly amino acids or peptides that include at least one of these compounds may be used directly as a delivery carrier by simply mixing one or more compound, poly amino acid or peptide with the active agent prior to administration.

In an alternative embodiment, the compounds, poly amino acids, or peptide may be used to form microspheres containing the active agent. These compounds, poly amino acids, or peptides are particularly useful for the oral administration of certain biologically-active agents, e.g., small peptide hormones, which, by themselves, do not pass or only pass slowly through the gastro-intestinal mucosa and/or are susceptible to chemical cleavage by acids and enzymes in the gastrointestinal tract.

If the modified amino acids, poly amino acids, or peptides are to be converted into microspheres, the mixture is optionally heated to a temperature ranging between about 20° and about 50° C., preferably about 40° C., until the modified amino acid(s) dissolve. The final solution contains between from about 1 mg and to about 2000 mg of compound, poly amino acid, or peptide per mL of solution, preferably between about 1 and about 500 mg per mL. The concentration of active agent in the final solution varies and is dependent on the required dosage for treatment. When necessary, the exact concentration can be determined by, for example, reverse phase HPLC analysis.

When the compounds, poly amino acids, or peptides are used to prepare microspheres, another useful procedure is as follows: Compounds, poly amino acids, or peptides are dissolved in deionized water at a concentration ranging between about 75 and about 200 mg/ml, preferably about 100 mg/ml at a temperature between about 25° C. and about 60° C., preferably about 40° C. Particulate matter remaining in the solution may be removed by conventional means such as filtration.

Thereafter, the compound, poly amino acid, or peptide solution, maintained at a temperature of about 40° C., is mixed 1:1 (V/V) with an aqueous acid solution (also at about 40° C.) having an acid concentration ranging between about 0.05N and about 2N, preferably about 1.7N. The resulting mixture is further incubated at 40° C. for a period of time effective for microsphere formation, as observed by light microscopy. In practicing this invention, the preferred order of addition is to add the compound, poly amino acid, or peptide solution to the aqueous acid solution.

Suitable acids for microsphere formation include any acid which does not

(a) adversely effect the modified amino acids, poly amino acids, or peptides e.g., initiate or propagate chemical decomposition;

(b) interfere with microsphere formation;

(c) interfere with microsphere incorporation of the active agent cargo; and

(d) adversely interact with the active agent cargo.

Preferred acids for use in this aspect include acetic acid, citric acid, hydrochloric acid, phosphoric acid, malic acid and maleic acid.

A microsphere stabilizing additive may be incorporated into the aqueous acid solution or into the compound or cargo solution prior to the microsphere formation process. With some drugs the presence of such additives promotes the stability and/or dispersibility of the microspheres in solution.

The stabilizing additives may be employed at a concentration ranging between about 0.1 and 5% (w/v), preferably about 0.5% (w/v). Suitable, but non-limiting, examples of microsphere stabilizing additives include gum acacia, gelatin, methyl cellulose, polyethylene glycol, carboxylic acid and salts thereof, and polylysine. The preferred stabilizing additives are gum acacia, gelatin and methyl cellulose.

Under the above conditions, the compound molecules, poly amino acids, or peptides form hollow or solid matrix type microspheres wherein the cargo is distributed in a carrier matrix or capsule type microspheres encapsulating liquid or solid cargo. If the compound, poly amino acid, or peptide microspheres are formed in the presence of a soluble material, e.g., a pharmaceutical agent in the aforementioned aqueous acid solution, this material will be encapsulated within the microspheres. In this way, one can encapsulate pharmacologically active materials such as peptides, proteins, and polysaccharides as well as charged organic molecules, e.g., antimicrobial agents, which normally have poor bioavailability by the oral route. The amount of pharmaceutical agent which may be incorporated by the microsphere is dependent on a number of factors which include the concentration of agent in the solution, as well as the affinity of the cargo for the carrier. The compound, poly amino acid, or peptide microspheres do not alter the physiological and biological properties of the active agent. Furthermore, the encapsulation process does not alter the pharmacological properties of the active agent. Any pharmacological agent can be incorporated within the microspheres. The system is particularly advantageous for delivering chemical or biological agents which otherwise would be destroyed or rendered less effective by conditions encountered within the body of the animal to which it is administered, before the microsphere reaches its target zone (i.e., the area in which the contents of the microsphere are to be released) and for delivering pharmacological agents which are poorly absorbed in the gastro-intestinal tract. The target zones can vary depending upon the drug employed.

The particle size of the microsphere plays an important role in determining release of the active agent in the targeted area of the gastro-intestinal tract. The preferred microspheres have diameters between about ≦0.1 microns and about 10 microns, preferably between about 0.5 microns and about 5 microns. The microspheres are sufficiently small to release effectively the active agent at the targeted area within the gastro-intestinal tract such as, for example, between the stomach and the jejunum. Small microspheres can also be administered parenterally by being suspended in an appropriate carrier fluid (e.g., isotonic saline) and injected directly into the circulatory system, intramuscularly or subcutaneously. The mode of administration selected will vary, of course, depending upon the requirement of the active agent being administered. Large amino acid microspheres (>50 microns) tend to be less effective as oral delivery systems.

The size of the microspheres formed by contacting compounds, poly amino acids, or peptides with water or an aqueous solution containing active agents can be controlled by manipulating a variety of physical or chemical parameters, such as the pH, osmolarity or ionic strength of the encapsulating solution, size of the ions in solution and by the choice of acid used in the encapsulating process.

The administration mixtures are prepared by mixing an aqueous solution of the carrier with an aqueous solution of the active ingredient, just prior to administration. Alternatively, the carrier and the biologically or chemically active ingredient can be admixed during the manufacturing process. The solutions may optionally contain additives such as phosphate buffer salts, citric acid, acetic acid, gelatin, and gum acacia.

Stabilizing additives may be incorporated into the carrier solution. With some drugs, the presence of such additives promotes the stability and dispersibility of the agent in solution.

The stabilizing additives may be employed at a concentration ranging between about 0.1 and 5% (W/V), preferably about 0.5% (W/V). Suitable, but non-limiting, examples of stabilizing additives include gum acacia, gelatin, methyl cellulose, polyethylene glycol, carboxylic acids and salts thereof, and polylysine. The preferred stabilizing additives are gum acacia, gelatin and methyl cellulose.

The amount of active agent is an amount effective to accomplish the purpose of the particular active agent. The amount in the composition typically is a pharmacologically or biologically effective amount. However, the amount can be less than a pharmacologically or biologically effective amount when the composition is used in a dosage unit form, such as a capsule, a tablet or a liquid, because the dosage unit form may contain a multiplicity of carrier/biologically or chemically active agent compositions or may contain a divided pharmacologically or biologically effective amount. The total effective amounts can then be administered in cumulative units containing, in total, pharmacologically or biologically or chemically active amounts of biologically or pharmacologically active agent.

The total amount of active agent, and particularly biologically or chemically active agent, to be used can be determined by those skilled in the art. However, it has surprisingly been found that with some biologically or chemically active agents, the use of the presently disclosed carriers provides extremely efficient delivery. Therefore, lower amounts of biologically or chemically active agent than those used in prior dosage unit forms or delivery systems can be administered to the subject, while still achieving the same blood levels and therapeutic effects.

The amount of carrier in the present composition is a delivery effective amount and can be determined for any particular carrier or biologically or chemically active agent by methods known to those skilled in the art.

Dosage unit forms can also include any of excipients; diluents; disintegrants; lubricants; plasticizers; colorants; and dosing vehicles, including, but not limited to water, 1,2-propane diol, ethanol, olive oil, or any combination thereof.

Administration of the present compositions or dosage unit forms preferably is oral or by intraduodenal injection.

The delivery compositions of the present invention may also include one or more enzyme inhibitors. Such enzyme inhibitors include, but are not limited to, compounds such as actinonin or epiactinonin and derivatives thereof. These compounds have the formulas below: ##STR9## Derivatives of these compounds are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,206,384. Actinonin derivatives have the formula: ##STR10## wherein R⁵ is sulfoxymethyl or carboxyl or a substituted carboxy group selected from carboxamide, hydroxyaminocarbonyl and alkoxycarbonyl groups; and R⁶ is hydroxyl, alkoxy, hydroxyamino or sulfoxyamino group. Other enzyme inhibitors include, but are not limited to, aprotinin (TRASYLOL®) and Bowman-Birk inhibitor.

The compounds and compositions of the subject invention are useful for administering biologically or chemically active agents to any animals such as birds; mammals, such as primates and particularly humans; and insects. The system is particularly advantageous for delivering chemically or biologically or chemically active agents which would otherwise be destroyed or rendered less effective by conditions encountered before the active agent its target zone (i.e. the area in which the active agent of the delivery composition are to be released) and within the body of the animal to which they are administered. Particularly, the compounds and compositions of the present invention are useful in orally administering active agents, especially those which are not ordinarily orally deliverable.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The following examples illustrate the invention without limitation. All parts are given by weight unless otherwise indicated.

EXAMPLE 1

Compound XIX was prepared as follows:

A 3 L three-neck round bottom flask was fitted with an overhead mechanical stirrer and a thermometer, and the flask was cooled in an ice-bath. A solution of 8-aminocaprylic acid (100.0 g, 0.65 moles) in 2M aqueous sodium hydroxide (1.4 L) was charged into the round bottom flask. The temperature of the solution was kept at about 5° C., and O-acetylsalicyloyl chloride (198.6 g, 0.76 moles, 1.2 equiv.) was added portionwise over 7 hours. The mixture was stirred at 5° C. for 12 hours to yield a yellow homogenous solution. The solution was acidified with 1M hydrochloric acid to pH 6.8 and was extracted with ethyl acetate (2×600 mL). The pH of the aqueous layer was readjusted to 6.3 and was further extracted with ethyl acetate (2×600 mL). The organic layers were combined, dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate, filtered, and evaporated under reduced pressure. The residue was redissolved in a minimum volume of 2M aqueous sodium hydroxide, and the pH of the solution was between 9.5 and 10. The mixture was acidified with stirring with 1M hydrochloric acid to pH of about 6.2, and a solid was formed. The solid was filtered, washed with water (3×300 mL), and recrystallized from 55% methanol/water (v/v) to yield Compound XVIII as an off-white solid (99.7 g, 57%).

Properties are listed below.

mp 116°-117° C. ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ: 12.70 (1H, br s), 11.95 (1H, br s) 8.81 (1H, t), 7.82 (1H, m), 7.38 (1H, m), 6.84 (2H, m), 2.36 (2H, q), 2.18 (2H, t), 1.50 (4H, br m), 1.28 (6H, m), Anal. Calcd for C₁₅ H₂₁ NO₄ : C, 64.50; H, 7.58;I N, 5.02. Found: C, 64.26; H, 7.81; N, 4.93.

Similar procedures were used to prepare Compounds I, II, III, IV, VI, IX, X, XI, XII, XIII, XIV, XX, XXI, XXIII, XXVII, XXXIII, and XXXIV.

Properties are listed below.

Compound I: ¹ H NMR (300MHz, D₂ O): δ 1.5 (2H, m) 2.0 (2H, t) 2.3 (2H,t) 7.5 (2H, t) 7.6 (1H, m) 7.3 (2H, m)

Compound II: ¹ H NMR (300MHz, D₂ O): δ 1.4 (8H, m) 1.7 (6H, m) 2.1 (2H,t) 1.25 (1H, m) 3.05 (2H, t)

Compound III: ¹ H NMR (300MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ 0.7 (3H, m) 0.9 (2H, m) 1.1 (3H,q) 1.6 (5H, m) 1.75 (2H, q) 2.1 (2H, t) 3.0 (2H, q) 7.9 (1H,m)

Compound IV: Anal. Calcd for C₁₁ H₁₃ NO₄ : C, 59.9, H, 5.87, N, 6.27 Found: C, 58.89, H, 5.85, N, 6.07. ¹ H NMR (300MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ 1.8 (2H, m) 2.3 (2H, t) 3.1 (2H,q) 6.9 (2H, t) 7.4 (1H, t) 7.8 (1H, d) 8.85 (1H, t) 12.0 (1H, s) 12.15 (1H, s)

Compound VI: ¹ H NMR (300MHz, D₂ O): δ 0.8 (2H, m) 1.1 (4H, m) 1.4 (2H,q) 1.6 (7H, m) 2.15 (4H, m) 3.1 (2H, t)

Compound IX: ¹ H NMR (300MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ 0.9 (q, 3H), 1.2 (m, 7H), 1.3 (q, 2H), 1.5 (q, 3H), 1.9 (d, 2H), 2.0 (d, 1H), 2.2 (t, 2H), 3.0 (q, 3H), 7.7 (s, 1H)

Compound X: ¹ H NMR (300MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ 0.7(d, 2H), 0.9 (dd, 1H), 1.2-1.3 (m, 7H), 1.5 (q, 3H), 1.6-1.8 (m, 5H), 2.15 (t, 2H), 3.0 (m, 3H), 7.5 (s, 1H), 12.0 (s, 1H)

Compound XI: Anal. Calcd for C₁₅ H₂₀ N₃ Cl: C, 60.48, H, 6.78, N, 4.70 Found: C, 60.4, H, 6.68, N, 4.53. ¹ H NMR (300MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ 1.28 (m, 6H) 1.48 (m, 4H) 2.19 (t, 2H) 3.19 (qt, 2H), 7.323-7.48 (m, 4H), 8.39 (t, 1H), 12.09 (s, 1H)

Compound XII: Anal. Calcd for C₁₇ H₂₂ NO₃ : C, 66.42, H, 7.23, N, 4.56 Found: C, 65.80, H, 7.17, N, 4.14. ¹ H NMR (300MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ 1.25 (m, 6H) 1.43-1.49 (m, 4H) 2.18 (t, 2H) 3.15 (qt, 2H), 6.72 (d, 1H), 7.21-7.26 (m, 2H), 7.39 (t, 1H), 7.48 (d, 1H), 7.65 (t, 1H), 8.21 (t, 1H)

Compound XIII: Anal. Calcd for C₁₅ H₁₉ NO₃ : C, 60.18, H, 6,41, N, 4.67 Found: C, 60.26, H, 6.53, N, 4.61. ¹ H NMR (300MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ 1.28 (m, 6H), 1.45-1.52 (m, 4H), 2.19 (t, 2H), 2.22 (qt, 2H), 7.13 (m, 2H), 7.43-7.53 (m, 1H), 8.67 (t, 1H)12.03 (s, 1H)

Compound XIV: Anal. Calcd for C₁₄ H₂₀ N₂ O₃ : ·0.66 H₂ O: C, 63.04, H, 7.91, N, 10.34 Found: C, 63.21, 7.59, 10.53 ¹ H NMR (300MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ 1.22-12.8 (m, 6H), 1.48-1.50 (m, 4H), 2.18 (t, 2H), 3.24 (qt, 2H), 7.48 (m, 1H), 8.15 (d, 1H), 8.63-8.69 (m, 2H), 8.97 (d, 1H)

Compound XX: Anal. Calcd for C₁₅ H₂₀ NO₃ F: C, 60.09, H, 7.19, N, 4.98 Found: C, 63.82, H, 7.23, N, 4.94. ¹ H NMR (300MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ 1.28 (m, 6H) 1.49 (m, 4H) 2.19 (t, 2H) 3.23 (qt, 2H), 7.24-7.30 (m, 2H), 7.49-7.60 (m, 2H), 11.99 (s, 1H)

Compound XXI: Anal. Calcd for C₁₇ H₂₃ NO₄ : C, 66.85, H, 7.61, N, 4.58 Found: C, 66.81, H, 7.69, N, 4.37. ¹ H NMR (300MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ 1.26 (m, 6H) 1.42-1.50 (m, 4) 2.18 (t, 2H) 3.13 (qt, 2H), 6.63 (d, 1H), 6.80 (t, 1H), 6.86 (d, 1H), 7.15 (t, 1H), 7.39 (d, 1H), 7.60 (d, 1H), 8.03 (t, 1H), 9,95 (s, 1H), 12.12 (s, 1H)

Compound XXIII: Anal. Calcd for C₁₅ H₂₇ NO₃ : C, 66.86, H, 10.22, N, 5.19 Found: C, 66.92, H, 10.72, N, 5.14. ¹ H NMR (300MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ 1.56-1.34 (m, 13H) 1.46 (t, 2H) 1.60-1.68 (m, 5H), 2.04(t, 1H), 2.17 (t, 2H), 2.97 (qt, 2H), 7.62 (t, 1H), 11.98 (s, 1H)

Compound XXVII: Anal. Calcd for C₁₈ H₂₇ NO₄ : C, 67.25, H, 8.48, N, 4.36 Found: C, 67.23, H, 8.57, N, 4.20. ¹ H NMR (300MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ 1.22-1.26 (m, 12H) 1.45-1.51 (m, 4H) 2.16 (t, 2H) 3.25 (qt, 2H), 6.85 (t, 2H), 7.37 (t, 1H), 7.81 (d, 1H), 8.79 (t, 1H), 11.95 (s, 1H), 12.72 (s, 1H)

Compound XXXIII: ¹ H NMR (300MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ 1.2 (a, 2H), 1.3 (q,2H), 1.3 (q, 2H), 1.5 (q, 2H), 2.2 (t, 2H), 3.0 (q, 2H), 3.5 (s, 2H), 7.3 (m, 5H), 8.0 (s, 1H)

Compound XXXIV: Anal. Calcd for C₁₂ H₁₇ NO₄ : C, 62.23, H, 6.83, N, 5.57 Found: C, 61.93, H, 6.80, N, 5.56. ¹ H NMR (300MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ 1.24-1.34 (m, 2H) 1.49-1.57 (m, 4H) 2.19 (t, 2H) 3.26 (qt, 2H), 6.68 (t, 2H), 7.37 (s, 1H), 7.83 (d, 1H) 8.81 (t, 1H), 12.08 (s, 1H), 12.72 (s, 1H)

EXAMPLE 2

Compound XIX was prepared as follows:

A 5 L three-neck round bottom flask was fitted with a heating mantle, an overhead mechanical stirrer, an addition funnel, and a thermometer. The reaction was performed under an argon atmosphere. Hydroxylamine-O-sulfonic acid (196.7 g, 1.74 moles, 1.10 equiv.) and formic acid (1 L) were charged into the round bottom flask and stirred to form a white slurry. A solution of cyclooctanone (200.0 g 1.58 moles, 1.0 equiv.) in formic acid (600 mL) was added dropwise to the white slurry via the addition funnel. After the addition, the addition funnel was replaced by a reflux condenser, and the reaction was heated to reflux (internal temperature about 105° C.) for 1 hour to give a brown solution. After the solution was cooled to room temperature, it was poured into a mixture of saturated aqueous ammonium chloride (1.5 L) and water (1.5 L). The aqueous mixture was extracted with chloroform (3×1200 mL). The combined chloroform layers were transferred into a beaker, and saturated sodium bicarbonate (2 L) was added slowly. The chloroform layer was then separated, dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate, and evaporated under reduced pressure to afford a brown oil. The oil was placed in a 500 mL round bottom flask with a magnetic stirrer. The round bottom flask was placed in a silicon oil bath and was fitted with a short path vacuum distillation head equipped with a thermometer. A Cow-type receiver was connected to three 250 mL flasks. 2-Azacyclononanone (145 g, 65%, mp 64°-69° C.) was obtained by vacuum distillation (fraction with head temperature range from 80° to 120° C. at pressures between 3.0 and 3.4 mmHg).

A 5 L three-neck round bottom flask was fitted with a heating mantle, an overhead mechanical stirrer, a reflux condenser, and a thermometer. A suspension of 2-azacyclononanone (83 g, 0.59 moles, 1.0 equiv.) in 5M aqueous sodium hydroxide (650 mL, 3.23 moles, 5.5 equiv.) was charged into the round bottom flask. The mixture was heated to reflux (internal temperature about 110C) for 4 hours to yield a clear yellow solution. The heating mantle and reflux condenser were removed. After the solution cooled to room temperature, it was diluted with water (650 mL) and cooled further in an ice bath. Finely ground O-acetylsalicyloyl chloride (114.7 g, 0.59 moles, 1.0 equiv.) was added portionwise to the solution with stirring and continued cooling over 1 hour. After an additional 30 minutes, the ice-bath was removed and stirring was continued at ambient temperature for 21 hours to give a brownish yellow solution. The stirred mixture was acidified with 2M sulfuric acid (about 850 mL) to a pH of about 1, and a yellow solid was formed. The solid was collected by filtration and was dissolved in warm methanol (1.7 L). Activated charcoal (about 5 g) was added to the methanol, and the solution was stirred for 10 minutes. The activated charcoal was removed by filtration, and the charcoal residue was washed with additional 300 mL methanol. Water (2 L) was added to the combined filtrates (i.e. the 2 L methanol), and an off-white solid precipitated upon standing at 4° C. overnight. The crude product was filtered and was recrystallized from 65% methanol/water (v/v) to yield Compound XVIII (69.1 g, 42%) as off-white solid.

Properties are listed below:

mp 116°-117° C.; HPLC, ¹ H NMR and Anal. Calcd for C₁₅ H₂₁ NO₄ : C, 64.50; H, 7.58; N, 5.02. Found: C, 64.26; H, 7.81; N, 4.93.

EXAMPLES 3-13 In Vivo Evaluation of Recombinant Growth Hormone in Rats

Dosing compositions were prepared by mixing the modified amino acids and recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) as listed in Table 1 below in a phosphate buffer solution at a pH of about 7-8.

Rats were administered the dosing composition by sublingual, oral gavage, intraduodenal administration, or colonic administration. Delivery was evaluated by using an ELISA assay for rhGH from Medix Biotech, Inc. For intracolonic administration, a sample was prepared and dosed to fasted rats at 25 mg/kg of carrier in a buffered solution containing propylene glycol (0-50%) and 1 mg/kg rhGH.

Results are illustrated in Table 1 below.

COMPARATIVE EXAMPLE 3A

rhGH (6 ml/mg) was administered by oral gavage to a rat, and delivery was evaluated according to the procecure of Example 3.

Results are illustrated in Table 1 below.

                  TABLE 1                                                          ______________________________________                                         In Vivo Delivery of rhGH                                                                                    Method                                            Ex-          Carrier  Drug   of     Mean Peak Serum                            am-          Dose     Dose   Admin- Levels of rhGH                             ple  Carrier (ng/mL)  (mg/mL)                                                                               istration                                                                             (ng/mL)                                    ______________________________________                                         3    I       500      6      oral   26.6 +/- 43.83                             3A   none    0        6      oral   <10 +/- 10                                 4    V       500      6      oral   3.22 +/- 7.2                               5    VI      500      6      oral   19.34 +/- 18.73                            6    VIII    500      6      oral   73.41 +/- 70.3                             7    IX      500      6      oral   28.70 +/- 41.7                             8    XIII    25       1      colonic                                                                               109.52 +/- 36.1                            9    XIX     200      3      oral   60.92 +/- 26.3                             10   XIX     25       1      colonic                                                                               111.52 +/- 16.4                            11   XIX     100      3      sub-   119.14 +/- 65.6                                                         lingual                                           12   XIX     25       1      intranasal                                                                            92.7 +/- 73.2                              13   XXVII   25       1      colonic                                                                               73.72 +/- 4.9                              ______________________________________                                    

EXAMPLES 14-19 In Vivo Evaluation of Interferon in Rats

Dosing compositions were prepared by mixing the modified amino acid compounds and interferon α2b as listed in Table 2 below in a TRIZMA® hydrochloride buffer solution (Tris-HCl) at a pH of about 7-8. Propylene glycol (0-25%) was added as a solubilizing agent, if necessary.

Rats were administered the dosing composition by oral gavage, intraduodenal administration, or intracolonic administration. Delivery was evaluated by use of an ELISA assay for human interferon α from Biosource, Inc.

Results of intracolonic administration are illustrated in Table 2 below.

COMPARATIVE EXAMPLE 14A

Interferon α2b (25 mg/mL) was administered intracolonically to rats, and delivery was evaluated according to the procedure of Example 14.

Results are illustrated in Table 2 below.

                  TABLE 2                                                          ______________________________________                                         In Vivo Delivery of Interferon by Intracolonic Administration                  Ex-           Carrier            Mean Peak Serum                               am-           Dose     Interferon Dose                                                                          Levels of Interferon                          ple  Carrier  (ng/mL)  (mg/kg)   (pg/mL)                                       ______________________________________                                         14   VII      100      25        5241 +/- 2205                                 14A  none     0        25        0                                             15   XI       100      25        1189 +/- 1373                                 16   XII      100      25        6955 +/- 2163                                 17   XIX      100      25        11193 +/- 8559                                18   XXI      100      25        4238 +/- 2789                                 19   XXXIV    100      26        4853 +/- 5231                                 ______________________________________                                    

EXAMPLES 20-23 In Vivo Evaluation of Salmon Calcitonin in Rats

Dosing compositions were prepared by mixing the modified amino acids and salmon calcitonin as listed in Table 3 below. 400 mg of carrier were added to 2.9 mL of 25% aqueous propylene glycol. The resultant solution was stirred, and the pH was adjusted to 7.2 with sodium hydroxide (1.0 N). Water was added to bring the total volume to 2.0 mL. The sample had a final carrier concentration of 200 mg/mL. Calcitonin (10 μg) was added to the solution. The total calcitonin concentration was 2.5 μg/mL.

For each sample a group of fasted rats were anesthetized. The rats were administered the dosing composition by oral gavage, intracolonic instillation, or intraduodenal administration. Blood samples were collected serially from the tail artery. Serum calcium was determined by testing with a Calcium Kit (Sigma Chemical Company, St. Louis, Mo., USA).

Results are illustrated in Table 3 below.

                  TABLE 3                                                          ______________________________________                                         In Vivo Delivery of Calcitonin                                                                                     Maximum De-                                Ex-         Carrier  Drug   Method of                                                                              crease in Serum                            am-  Car-   Dose     Dose   Admin-  Calcium (%                                 ple  rier   (ng/mL)  (mg/mL)                                                                               istration                                                                              below baseline)                            ______________________________________                                         20   I      400      10     oral                                               21   V      400      10     oral    18.35 +/- 2.87                             22   XIX    10       3      intracolonic                                                                           26.49 +/- 12.3                             23   XIX    200      7.5    oral    25.48 +/- 4.7                              ______________________________________                                    

EXAMPLES 24-28 In Vivo Evaluation of Heparin in Rats

Dosing compositions were prepared by mixing the modified amino acids and heparin as listed in Table 4. In a test tube, 900 mg of carrier were dissolved in 3 mL of propylene glycol, and 0.299 g of sodium heparin was dissolved in 3 mL of water. The solutions were mixed by vortex. Sodium hydroxide (10M) was added to the resulting mixture until a solution was obtained. The pH was then adjusted to 7.4+/-0.5 with concentrated hydrochloric acid, and the final solution was sonicated at 40° C. for 30 minutes.

A group of fasted, conscious rats were administered the dosing compositions by oral gavage. Blood samples were collected by cardiac puncture following the administration of ketamine (44 mg/kg)., Heparin activity was determined by utilizing the activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) according to the method of Henry, J. B., Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods; Philadelphia, Pa.; W B Saunders (1979).

Results are illustrated in Table 4 below.

COMPARATIVE EXAMPLE 24A

Heparin (100 mg/mL) was administered by oral gavage to rats, and heparin activity was determined according to the procedure of Example 24.

Results are illustrated in Table 4 below.

                  TABLE 4                                                          ______________________________________                                         In Vivo Delivery of Heparin by Oral Administration                                            Carrier Dose                                                                              Drug Dose                                                                              Mean Peak APTT                               Example                                                                               Carrier (mg/kg)    (mg/mL) (sec)                                        ______________________________________                                         24     II      300        100     25.45 +/- 2.8                                24A    none    none       100     20.7 +/- 0.17                                25     III     300        100     38.64 +/- 17                                 26     V       300        100     87.4 +/- 34.1                                27     XII     300        100     49.53 +/- 17.1                               28     XIX     300        100     119.99 +/- 56.3                              ______________________________________                                    

EXAMPLE 29

The method of Example 24 was followed, substituting low molecular weight heparin for the heparin and varying the amounts of propylene glycol and water for solubilization as, necessary.

The above mentioned patents, applications, test methods, and publications are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

Many variations of the present invention will suggest themselves to those skilled in the art in light of the above detailed description. All such obvious variations are within the full intended scope of the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. The compound ##STR11## or a salt thereof.
 2. A poly amino acid comprising the amino acid ##STR12## or a salt thereof.
 3. A poly amino acid as defined in claim 2, comprising a peptide.
 4. A composition comprising(a) an active agent; and (b) the compound ##STR13## or a salt thereof.
 5. A composition comprising(a) an active agent; and (b) a poly amino acid comprising the amino acid ##STR14## or a salt thereof.
 6. A composition as defined in claim 5, wherein said poly amino acid comprises a peptide.
 7. A composition as defined in claim 4, wherein said active agent is selected from the group consisting of a biologically active agent and a chemically active agent.
 8. A composition as defined in claim 5, wherein said active agent is selected from the group consisting of a biologically active agent and a chemically active agent.
 9. A composition as defined in claim 7, wherein said biologically active agent is selected from the group consisting of a peptide, a mucopolysaccharide, a carbohydrate, a lipid, a pesticide, and any combination thereof.
 10. A composition as defined in claim 8, wherein said biologically active agent is selected from the group consisting of a peptide, a mucopolysaccharide, a carbohydrate, a lipid, a pesticide, and any combination thereof.
 11. A composition as defined in claim 9, wherein said biologically active agent is selected from the group consisting of human growth hormone, bovine growth hormone, growth hormone-releasing hormone, an interferon, interleukin-II, insulin, heparin, calcitonin, erythropoietin, atrial naturetic factor, an antigen, a monoclonal antibody, somatostatin, adrenocorticotropin, gonadotropin releasing hormone, oxytocin, vasopressin, cromolyn sodium, vancomycin, desferrioxamine (DFO), and any combination thereof.
 12. A composition as defined in claim 10, wherein said biologically active agent is selected from the group consisting of human growth hormone, bovine growth hormone, growth hormone-releasing hormone, an interferon, interleukin-II, insulin, heparin, calcitonin, erythropoietin, atrial naturetic factor, an antigen, a monoclonal antibody, somatostatin, adrenocorticotropin, gonadotropin releasing hormone, oxytocin, vasopressin, cromolyn sodium, vancomycin, desferrioxamine (DFO), and any combination thereof.
 13. A composition as defined in claim 4, wherein said active agent comprises a polysaccharide.
 14. A composition as defined in claim 5, wherein said active agent comprises a polysaccharide.
 15. A composition as defined in claim 13, wherein said active agent comprises a mixture of mucopolysaccharides.
 16. A composition as defined in claim 14, wherein said active agent comprises a mixture of mucopolysaccharides.
 17. A composition as defined in claim 15, wherein said mixture of mucopolysaccharides comprises heparin.
 18. A composition as defined in claim 16, wherein said mixture of mucopolysaccharides comprises heparin.
 19. A composition as defined in claim 17, wherein said heparin comprises low molecular weight heparin.
 20. A composition as defined in claim 18, wherein said heparin comprises low molecular weight heparin.
 21. A composition as defined in claim 11, wherein said biologically active agent comprises human growth hormone.
 22. A composition as defined in claim 12, wherein said biologically active agent comprises human growth hormone.
 23. A dosage unit form comprising(A) a composition as defined in claim 4; and (B)(a) an excipient, (b) a diluent, (c) a disintegrant, (d) a lubricant, (e) a plasticizer, (f) a colorant, (g) a dosing vehicle, or (h) any combination thereof.
 24. A dosage unit form comprising(A) a composition as defined in claim 5; and (B)(a) an excipient, (b) a diluent, (c) a disintegrant, (d) a lubricant, (e) a plasticizer, (f) a colorant, (g) a dosing vehicle, or (h) any combination thereof.
 25. A dosage unit form according to claim 23, comprising a tablet, a capsule, or a liquid.
 26. A dosage unit form according to claim 24, comprising a tablet, a capsule, or a liquid.
 27. A composition as defined in claim 24, wherein said poly amino acid comprises a peptide.
 28. A composition as defined in claim 23, wherein said active agent is selected from the group consisting of a biologically active agent and a chemically active agent.
 29. A composition as defined in claim 24, wherein said active agent is selected from the group consisting of a biologically active agent and a chemically active agent.
 30. A composition as defined in claim 28, wherein said biologically active agent is selected from the group consisting of a peptide, a mucopolysaccharide, a carbohydrate, a lipid, a pesticide, and any combination thereof.
 31. A composition as defined in claim 29, wherein said biologically active agent is selected from the group consisting of a peptide, a mucopolysaccharide, a carbohydrate, a lipid, a pesticide, and any combination thereof.
 32. A composition as defined in claim 30, wherein said biologically active agent is selected from the group consisting of human growth hormone, bovine growth hormone, growth hormone-releasing hormone, an interferon, interleukin-II, insulin, heparin, calcitonin, erythropoietin, atrial naturetic factor, an antigen, a monoclonal antibody, somatostatin, adrenocorticotropin, gonadotropin releasing hormone, oxytocin, vasopressin, cromolyn sodium, vancomycin, desferrioxamine (DFO), and any combination thereof.
 33. A composition as defined in claim 31, wherein said biologically active agent is selected from the group consisting of human growth hormone, bovine growth hormone, growth hormone-releasing hormone, an interferon, interleukin-II, insulin, heparin, calcitonin, erythropoietin, atrial naturetic factor, an antigen, a monoclonal antibody, somatostatin, adrenocorticotropin, gonadotropin releasing hormone, oxytocin, vasopressin, cromolyn sodium, vancomycin, desferrioxamine (DFO), and any combination thereof.
 34. A composition as defined in claim 23, wherein said active agent comprises a polysaccharide.
 35. A composition as defined in claim 24, wherein said active agent comprises a polysaccharide.
 36. A composition as defined in claim 34, wherein said active agent comprises a mixture of mucopolysaccharides.
 37. A composition as defined in claim 35, wherein said active agent comprises a mixture of mucopolysaccharides.
 38. A composition as defined in claim 36, wherein said mixture of mucopolysaccharides comprises heparin.
 39. A composition as defined in claim 37, wherein said mixture of mucopolysaccharides comprises heparin.
 40. A composition as defined in claim 38, wherein said heparin comprises low molecular weight heparin.
 41. A composition as defined in claim 39, wherein said heparin comprises low molecular weight heparin.
 42. A composition as defined in claim 32, wherein said biologically active agent comprises human growth hormone.
 43. A composition as defined in claim 33, wherein said biologically active agent comprises human growth hormone.
 44. A method for preparing a composition, said method comprising mixing:a) at least one biologically active agent; b) at least one compound as defined in claim 1; and c) optionally a dosing vehicle.
 45. A method for preparing a composition, said method comprising mixing:a) at least one biologically active agent; b) at least one poly amino acid as defined in claim 2; and c) optionally a dosing vehicle.
 46. A method as defined in claim 45, wherein said poly amino acid comprises a peptide.
 47. A method as defined in claim 44, wherein said biologically active agent comprises human growth hormone.
 48. A method as defined in claim 45, wherein said biologically active agent comprises human growth hormone.
 49. A method as defined in claim 44, wherein said biologically active agent comprises polysaccharide.
 50. A method as defined in claim 45, wherein said biologically active agent comprises polysaccharide.
 51. A method as defined in claim 49, wherein said polysaccharide comprises a mixture of muco-polysaccharides.
 52. A method as defined in claim 50, wherein said polysaccharide comprises a mixture of muco-polysaccharides.
 53. A method as defined in claim 51, wherein said mixture of muco-polysaccharides comprises heparin.
 54. A method as defined in claim 52, wherein said mixture of muco-polysaccharides comprises heparin.
 55. A method as defined in claim 53, wherein said heparin comprises low molecular weight heparin.
 56. A method as defined in claim 54, wherein said heparin comprises low molecular weight heparin.
 57. A method for administering a biologically-active agent to an animal in need of said agent, said method comprising administering orally to said animal a composition as defined in claim
 4. 58. A method for administering a biologically-active agent to an animal in need of said agent, said method comprising administering orally to said animal a composition as defined in claim
 5. 59. A method for administering a biologically-active agent to an animal in need of said agent, said method comprising administering orally to said animal a composition as defined in claim
 15. 60. A method for administering a biologically-active agent to an animal in need of said agent, said method comprising administering orally to said animal a composition as defined in claim
 16. 61. A method for administering a biologically-active agent to an animal in need of said agent, said method comprising administering orally to said animal a composition as defined in claim
 17. 62. A method for administering a biologically-active agent to an animal in need of said agent, said method comprising administering orally to said animal a composition as defined in claim
 18. 63. A method for administering a biologically-active agent to an animal in need of said agent, said method comprising administering orally to said animal a composition as defined in claim
 19. 64. A method for administering a biologically-active agent to an animal in need of said agent, said method comprising administering orally to said animal a composition as defined in claim
 20. 65. A method for administering a biologically-active agent to an animal in need of said agent, said method comprising administering orally to said animal a composition as defined in claim
 21. 66. A method for administering a biologically-active agent to an animal in need of said agent, said method comprising administering orally to said animal a composition as defined in claim
 22. 